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Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali has revealed that the first national land transport policy has been finalised and now awaiting approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Alkali made the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday at the 7th national transport conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) with the theme: ‘Repositioning Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure and Governance Models for Global Competitiveness.’

According to him, ‘The first-ever National Land Transport Policy has been validated by stakeholders and is set for full Federal Executive Council approval’.

He commended CIOTA’s advocacy efforts and inputs ‘toward achieving this national goal, which has eluded the nation for decades.’

Speaking on the recent development in the rail sector, he said ‘The Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge project has achieved major milestones. The Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna segments are fully operational, while Kaduna-Kano is nearing completion. Also, the construction of the Kano-Maradi line (with a branch to Dutse) continues steadily, reinforcing Nigeria’s connectivity with the Niger Republic.

‘Similarly, Work on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Narrow Gauge with its branch lines and two transshipment terminals is progressing, opening up the eastern corridor for commerce and inclusion. A new Ibadan-Minna Standard Gauge line has been approved to expand national connectivity and logistics efficiency.’

He also added that the unbundling of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is underway to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.

On E-Ticketing, the minister stated that the deployment of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) driven e-ticketing platforms on the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, and Warri-Itakpe-Ajaokuta lines has greatly improved transparency, accountability, and user experience.

He added, ‘To sustain public confidence, I have directed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation to set up a special committee to investigate challenges in ticket purchase processes, particularly on the Abuja-Kaduna route. A new route manager has been deployed pending the outcome of that review to ensure service integrity and efficiency.’

Also speaking, the President of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA) Prince (Dr.) Segun Obayendo noted that in different capacities across the country, CIoTA members’ exceptional leadership is steering policy at federal and state levels.

‘The emergence of the CIOTA Consult as a formidable force in transport consultancy is not by accident. They are the fruits of our deliberate positioning and professional excellence. Yet, as transport professionals, we must be honest about where we stand globally.

He further called for more efforts, saying, ‘While we celebrate our rail renaissance under the current administration, while we acknowledge the progress in road infrastructure, and while we see glimpses of aviation sector recovery, we know that global competitiveness demands more than incremental improvements.’

An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Monday released one Shakor Ali (23), a farm attendant at L.O farms, Ido, Ibadan, who earlier pleaded guilty to stealing the company’s electric wire and a staff’s phone.

Ali was arraigned on October 23, on two-count bordering on conspiracy and stealing, to which he pleaded guilty.

However, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs Moyosore Atanda remanded him at the Agodi Correctional Facility Ibadan and adjourned the case until Nov.3, for review of facts and judgment subsequently.

But on Monday when the case was mentioned, the Prosecutor, Insp Elisha Tellang informed the court that the company came to withdraw the case. (NAN)

Tellang said that the company sent a representative, Mr Afeez Asiru, to request that the case be withdrawn because Ali’s family members begged the company to pardon him.

The threat from the United States’ President Donal Trump has introduced some level of uncertainty into the Nigeria business environment. From now, the economy and indeed the entire country will operate under additional uncertainty arising from Trump’s pronouncement. This is a reality, no matter what anyone thinks about the face-off between the two countries. And that is not good for business.

The declaration of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern has the capacity to affect the operational business contours of the country by making Nigeria look riskier than it has been perceived by businesses operating here.

This is coming not long after the annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF in Washington, D.C., at which the looming threat of uncertainty over the global economy received so much attention. ‘The global economy is undergoing a profound transformation and facing elevated uncertainty,’ the Fund noted. Now, the events of last week are injecting into Nigeria a peculiar dimension to this uncertainty, and when added to the general uncertainty, this could impact negatively on the performance of the economy.

Perceptions and expectations will change, which will play a significant part in the coming uncertainty. Perceptions of Nigeria as a place to do business will change, at least for some classes of investors or business people. It will start first from the fact that Nigeria is a part of a global economy and that we depend a lot on foreigners.

Changes in foreigners’ perceptions about Nigeria as a place of investment will begin with projects currently at the margin. Which projects or ideas are these? First, these could be new businesses just being floated or discussed between Nigerians and their business partners. While most investors in the country have priced Nigeria’s challenges into their cost structures, what is emerging now presents a different scenario. It might require a reappraisal of short-to medium-term outlook for the country, politically, economically and socially.

This is where the concept of marginality will come into play in business decisions about Nigeria. Investors may begin to compare returns from their exposure to Nigeria with what they can potentially make from other markets. From the financial markets (bonds and equities, for instance), where it is easy for an investor to shout to a broker ‘Get me out quickly’ as he or she dishes out a sale order, to physical projects still being considered or evaluated, it is possible to see reversals of capital inflows in the short term.

On the first trading day of the week after the announcement, our markets reflected a bit of the potential effect of the face-off. The naira reversed its gaining streak against the dollar, and depreciated from an exchange rate of N1,421.73/$, to N1,436.34/$ on Monday, just as stock market slide, with both the market cap and the All-Share Index declining marginally. These could be the market’s characteristic response to such events, as the naira rebounded yesterday, closing the day at N1,433.66/$. But it was not so for the equities market, where both the capitalisation and the Index continued their movement southward. So, there are still reasons to be cautious as further developments unfold.

Many Nigerians believe this threat from Trump will soon fizzle away with little or no impact at all on the economy. Indeed, that is the wish of every Nigerian. But what we will be dealing with in the coming weeks and months will be the announcement effects given the nature of markets, particularly global markets.

Markets are averse to uncertainty because it raises the cost of doing business and alters the benchmarks for decision variables for the environment concerned. Previous estimates in some industries will change because the assumptions on which they were based would have changed. For some types of business, it may raise the risk profile of the country. That is because uncertainty blurs the business horizon and makes predictions quite harrowing.

In a globalised world, investors with capital are not just looking for where to invest; they seek a place to invest and be certain of the safety of their capital first. Then they want a place where they can get the best possible rate of return within the assessed environment. Any location that meets these two criteria is as good as home for the business. That location becomes the same as or even better than the home country of the company. The company is able and willing to produce from there and export to the rest of the world. This is the dynamics of globalisation and the mobility of capital across boundaries.

The government’s biggest challenge now in the midst of the ongoing reforms is how best to reduce the country’s risk profile or perception to the barest minimum. With a decade and half heightened insecurity, the various economic and social disruptions must be tackled with vigour and commitment to usher in a season of certainty and stability that a business environment demands for optimal results.

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday asked African nations to scale up and leverage on Islamic finance mechanisms as drivers of shared prosperity across the continent.

He spoke in Lagos on Tuesday while declaring open the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance.

The Conference was organised by the Metropolitan Law and Metropolitan Skills Ltd in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria (SEC) with the theme: ‘Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.’

The two – day conference brought together regulators, scholars, development partners, and investors from across the African continent.

The Vice President, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua, noted that Islamic finance provides a credible framework for promoting shared prosperity, rooted in ethics, fairness, and social responsibility.

According to him, Nigeria’s experience demonstrates the transformative potential of Islamic finance instruments such as Sukuk, Takaful, Murabaha, and Waqf, which have financed critical infrastructure and expanded access to inclusive financial services.

‘Our sukuk issuances, now in their seventh cycle, have funded more than 120 major road projects covering nearly 6,000 kilometres.

‘Each bond represents a covenant between government and citizens, proof that finance can build rather than burden,’ the VP said.

Shettima added that takaful insurance is extending protection to millions of previously excluded households, while waqf endowments are being explored to support schools, hospitals, and small businesses.

‘Islamic finance aligns with our conviction that enterprise must serve humanity and wealth must circulate to uplift communities,’ he said.

Shettima submitted that countries like Egypt, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa are developing regulatory frameworks for Islamic banking, green sukuk, and socially responsible investments.

He said by 2030, the share of Islamic finance in Africa’s capital markets is projected to expand significantly.

The VP asked policymakers to sustain reforms that strengthen transparency, governance, and investor protection.

The Conference Chairperson Ms Ummahani Ahmad Amin said that AICIF was conceived as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance Islamic finance as a viable alternative source of funding for Africa’s socio-economic needs.

She noted that while Islamic finance assets globally reached $3.88 trillion in 2024, Africa still lags behind in harnessing its full potential to close the continent’s annual infrastructure financing gap of up to $170 billion.

She emphasised that challenges such as limited liquidity, weak market infrastructure, and inadequate investor education must be addressed for Islamic finance to reach its potential.

The SEC Chairman, Mairiga Katuka said Nigeria’s non-interest capital market had grown rapidly under the Capital Market Masterplan (2015-2025), with sovereign sukuk raising over N1.4 trillion and funding 124 critical road projects nationwide.

Katuka noted that Nigeria now has 19 registered halal mutual funds managing over N112 billion in assets, up from one fund in 2008, and pledged the SEC’s commitment to evolving regulatory frameworks for innovations such as innovative sukuk, tokenisation, and blockchain-enabled transparency.

Former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, on Wednesday, vowed to remain active in politics for the rest of his life.

He stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, as part of activities marking his 70th birthday anniversary.

The former governor, who described his political philosophy as rooted in faith and morality, said his guiding principle has always been that ‘my politics is my religion, and my religion is my politics.

‘I am not going to check out of politics because participating in the process of producing credible and trustworthy leaders is part of service to humanity and that is a religious duty in Islam,’ he said. Shekarau explained that his involvement in politics was never driven by personal ambition but by the desire to contribute to the emergence of just and competent leadership that serves the people faithfully.

‘So long as I have the strength to contribute in any form, I will continue to do so. Politics, for me, is not a career that ends; it is a lifelong responsibility,’ he added.

The former minister said he had no regrets in his political journey despite challenges and disappointments, noting that he had always accepted outcomes as the will of Allah.

‘Whatever comes my way, I take it as Allah’s decision. Even when I fail to achieve what I desire, I believe it is because Allah has chosen what is best for me. Regret only comes when one fails to appreciate Allah’s wisdom,’ he said.

Reflecting on his early political life, Shekarau recalled that his participation in elections dated back to his student days in the 1980s when he contested and won several leadership positions within teachers’ unions and educational associations.

‘So, elections are not new to me. I started contesting since 1982, and by 1988, I was National President of the Police Schools in Nigeria, overseeing over 8,000 schools. That experience shaped my confidence in leadership and service,’ he said.

Shekarau, who governed Kano State from 2003 to 2011, said he took pride in being the first politician to defeat a sitting governor in the state, noting that his victories were achieved through faith, discipline, and people’s trust.

He expressed concern over the current political atmosphere and urged opposition parties to form a united front to strengthen democracy.

‘I strongly believe the opposition must come together under one umbrella. That’s the only way to rescue the system and ensure balanced governance,’ he said.

The former governor praised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for its resilience, describing it as ‘the only party among those registered in 1998 that has survived till today,’ and expressed confidence that it would continue to remain relevant.

Commenting on the state of the nation, Shekarau acknowledged the federal government’s efforts but urged leaders to focus more on addressing insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

‘No nation is without crime, but the government must not allow criminality to thrive. When people can afford food and live decently, peace will naturally follow,’ he said.

Shekarau reaffirmed his optimism about Nigeria’s future, stressing that good governance, empathy, and fear of God are essential for the country’s progress.

‘I am optimistic and will continue to support any government that works for the peace and welfare of our people, regardless of political differences,’ he said.

Gunmen have killed four people in Anwule village, Oglewu District of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

Witnesses said the victims were hacked to death while working on their farms on Monday and Tuesday.

They also alleged that some persons were still missing after the attack, which devastated the village.

‘They killed two farmers who were working on their farms yesterday (Monday) and another two today (Tuesday).

‘As we speak, some persons are missing. Today, at about 5pm, the attackers also came into the village, but I’m yet to hear of any casualties,’ a resident told our correspondent.

The chairman of Ohimini LGA, Adole Gabriel, confirmed the killings to our correspondent in a telephone interview on Tuesday night.

Adole said the state government has deployed security personnel to the area after he reported the matter to the appropriate authorities.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to respond to calls and messages sent to her phone for confirmation as of press time.

Staying connected is essential when traveling in Spain, whether for navigation, booking experiences, or keeping in touch with friends and family.

A reliable Spain eSIM makes this easy, offering flexibility and coverage across major cities and tourist destinations.

In this guide, we explore the 10 best Spanish travel eSIM sellers, including popular options such as iRoamly travel eSIM, so you can find a plan that fits your trip and ensures seamless connectivity throughout Spain.

1. iRoamly

iRoamly travel eSIM is known for offering highly flexible eSIM plans tailored to international travelers. In Spain, their eSIMs provide full coverage across major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, as well as popular tourist destinations along the coast.

The plans are especially appealing for travelers who expect consistent connectivity throughout the country without worrying about hidden throttling.

iRoamly travel eSIM also supports multiple devices, making it a practical choice for solo travelers and groups alike. Their customer support is responsive and offers guidance in several languages, ensuring smooth troubleshooting for any connectivity issues.

Features of the eSIM Brand Our Testing and Evaluation

We purchased an iRoamly Spain eSIM directly from the website and found the download and installation process straightforward. Activation was seamless on both iPhone and Android devices, with minimal configuration required.

During our week-long test across Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, the connection remained stable, and speed tests consistently showed high throughput, even during peak hours. Video streaming, navigation, and video calls worked flawlessly, confirming the value of their unlimited speed offering.

Overall, iRoamly travel eSIM impressed with its combination of coverage, reliability, and real unlimited data. We found it to be the top choice for travelers who need consistent, high-speed connectivity without compromise.

2. Nomad

Nomad has carved out a strong reputation for travelers seeking eSIMs that work across multiple countries, including Spain. Their plans cater to both short vacations and extended trips, making it an attractive option for those combining Spain with other European destinations.

The company emphasizes simplicity in purchasing and managing eSIMs through its mobile app. Users can easily switch plans or extend their data allowance, which adds flexibility for travelers whose itineraries may change.

Features of the eSIM Brand

Conclusion

Finding the right Spain eSIM doesn’t have to be complicated. The 10 best Spanish travel eSIM sellers featured here provide options for every type of traveler, from budget-conscious visitors to those who prioritize speed and unlimited data.

Our testing shows that iRoamly travel eSIM delivers exceptional coverage and truly unlimited speeds, setting it apart as the top recommendation for seamless connectivity in Spain.

By comparing these top providers, travelers can confidently choose the eSIM that best fits their itinerary and enjoy uninterrupted connectivity across the country.

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is engaging young people to lead efforts in protecting the environment for future generations by curbing air pollution and promoting sustainability.

The initiative was launched on Monday in Abuja by Ms. Daniella Olayinka, a young Rotaractor from the Rotaract Club of Omole Golden, District 9111, and a behavioral advocate.

The campaign involves visits to schools and campuses across the FCT to educate students on environmental protection and the upcoming ‘Breathe Clean Air Abuja’ project.

Declaring the campaign open, the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, announced collaboration with Rotaract Clubs in the city, including Abuja Maitama, Apo FCT, and Abuja Wuse II, alongside other stakeholders. (NAN)

Dr. Fasawe said the sensitization would focus on the dangers of air pollution and the benefits of clean energy, with club members expected to join outreach efforts for wider youth engagement.

‘We recognize young people as agents of change, especially on issues affecting our planet. That is why we are partnering with the Education Secretariat to include students in this important campaign,’ she stated. (NAN)

Globacom has unveiled its latest offering, ‘Glo Collabo Bundles’, a range of affordable packages that combine voice and data services, making it easier for subscribers to stay connected.

The offering combines voice minutes and data into a single, convenient package, delivering massive value and savings to subscribers.

The Glo Collabo Bundles are designed to suit every lifestyle and budget, starting from just N500. By packaging essential voice and data services together, Globacom ensures customers get more for their money than buying both services separately.

In a statement in Lagos, Globacom reaffirmed its commitment to providing affordable and rewarding communication options for Nigerians.

It said, ‘The Glo Collabo Bundles combine two essential services, voice and data in one convenient pack at outstanding value. It also offers the best of two world. It’s convenience, savings, and reward all ‘in one and designed to suit every lifestyle and budget’.

A breakdown of the package shows that subscribers get 10 all-network minutes for calls and 450MB of data valid for seven days for N500 collabo bundles, while the N1,000 plan comes with 20 minutes for calls and 1.25GB of data for seven days. Also, the N1,500 option gives 30 minutes for calls and 1.85GB of data valid for 14 days. The N2,000 Collabo Bundle also gives 40 minutes for calls and 3GB of data valid for 30 days.

In addition, heavy users can enjoy 50 minutes talk time and 4GB of data for N2, 500, 60 minutes talk time and 7.5GB data for N3,000, or the top-tier plan, which gives subscribers100 minutes talk time and 12.5GB for just N5,000. All plans are valid for 30 days.

The statement said subscribers can connect to Glo Collabo Bundles by dialing *312#, and select ‘Collabo Bundles’ to choose their preferred plan. The bundle amount will be deducted from the main account balance.

Unused data can be rolled over within the allowed grace period if the subscriber renews before expiry, while unused voice minutes will expire at the end of the validity period. Multiple bundles can also be purchased at once, with validity extending to the longest active plan.

The recent threat by President Donald trump to intervene in Nigeria in response to the alleged ‘killing of Christians’ has serious implications for Nigeria-Us relations, especially in terms of its drawbacks to the current economic reforms, the recent 15% import duty on petroleum and diesel import and the possibility of boosting the economic relationship between Nigeria and China.

This shift towards BRICS in general and China in particular will primarily affect the US by fueling competition for influence in Africa, challenging the economic standing of the dollar, and creating vulnerabilities related to trade imbalances and debt.

The weakening of Nigeria-US relationship due to the recent intervention threat is therefore a direct manifestation of the broader struggle for global economic dominance. Its potential negative effects on Nigeria include:

A decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) through which U.S. investors will adopt a careful approach toward emerging markets like Nigeria, focusing instead on domestic opportunities. Foreign direct investment may also be more vulnerable than before because the severity of the allegations creates reputational risk, prompting multinational firms to delay or suspend investment decisions across sectors such as energy, telecoms, agribusiness and fintech.

On Trade Issues, the United States remains a vital economic partner for Nigeria and bilateral trade in goods and services reached approximately $13 billion in 2024, according to official data from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Trump’s threat to cut ‘aid and assistance’ could therefore ripple through multiple channels such as trade finance, energy exports, defense procurement and humanitarian programs. More risky still would be a suspension of Nigeria’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers duty-free access to US markets for African goods. Such a move could cripple Nigeria’s drive towards expanding non-oil exports, particularly in textiles, agro-processing, and light manufacturing. The country’s export council recently reported a nearly 20% rise in shipments during the first half of 2025, driven by global demand for cocoa, urea, and cashew. If Western importers begin to hesitate or reroute orders, these fragile gains could diminish. Higher insurance premia and costlier trade credit would also make Nigerian goods less competitive, even before a single sanction is imposed.

Drop in portfolio inflows because the remarks of the US President could have a significant impact on Nigeria’s plans to issue Eurobonds worth about $2.3 billion later this year as investors may perceive the country as one with high risk. Fiscal stability may also weaken as outflows push domestic yields higher, raise borrowing costs, and worsen the currency-debt service dynamic. The international amplification of Trump’s remarks may therefore further damage Nigeria’s image and negatively influence multilaterals and rating agencies.

Zespite efforts to diversify the Nigerian economy, Oil and Gas remain the lifeblood of its economy, feeding both foreign exchange reserves and government coffers. Any escalation that disrupts production, shipping, or insurance coverage would squeeze dollar inflows at a point Nigeria struggles to narrow its fiscal deficit. Although the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that OPEC+ supply is expected to rise in 2025, a Nigeria-specific disruption could tighten the global market for light-sweet crude, potentially lifting prices but leaving Nigeria paradoxically poorer since its output will drop due to the intervention or because buyers demand steep discounts. For Nigeria, this means reduced revenue and heightened economic vulnerability and in such a scenario, the country’s budgetary gaps could widen, forcing deeper austerity or additional borrowing at punishing rates.

If the threat is carried through, there will be increased inflationary pressures, and reduced foreign reserves due to capital outflows. The escalation may also complicate the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the naira and anchor inflation expectations.

The regulator has been courting portfolio inflows through high-yield securities and reforms in the FX window, but heightened global risk aversion could limit the impact and the naira may consequently face notable downward pressure as outflows intensify, potentially forcing heavier CBN intervention.

Muhammed Muttaka Usman is a Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and member, Daily Trust Board of Economists